From the Desk of Dan Ashe

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

The National Geographic Photo Ark Exhibit

Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to see the National Geographic Photo Ark exhibit at the Dallas Zoo and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. I’ve also had the chance to hear Joel Sartore, the photographer, speak about conservation, and the role zoos and aquariums play in that. I found Joel’s talk and Photo Ark to be an incredible experience, as did Mike Norton, the executive vice president of Norton Outdoor Advertising, a three-generation family-owned business based in Cincinnati. Mike is excited to welcome Joel to Cincinnati, who is scheduled to speak at the Cincinnati Zoo today as part of the Barrows Conservation Lecture Series. I’m happy to share with you this great guest blog from Mike.

Five Reasons I Support Photo Ark

By Mike Norton

When National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore visits Cincinnati on Wednesday (May 31), he will provoke us.

Joel will ask us to help protect animals facing extinction. His sobering thesis is that animal extinction hurts humans (and conversely, preventing animal extinction benefits mankind). Joel’s award-winning pictures of endangered species – called “Photo Ark” -- are exhibited at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Here are five reasons why I support Photo Ark:

1. In this era of division and hyper-partisanship, Photo Ark is a uniting cause. Photo Ark has earned support and respect across the political spectrum, from Harrison Ford to hunters.

Full disclosure: I grew up in a family where “a good year” was defined in part when dad bagged an elk out West. When my father, Tom, trekked into remote mountain areas of Colorado, with an elk-hunting permit, mom would hike with him.

We all have a stake in animal preservation, especially hunters.

2. I’ve heard Joel Sartore’s pitch, and it resonates with me.

Joel is from the Midwest (Nebraska), with a strong work ethic.I heard him speak on May 16 at the national convention of my trade association (Outdoor Advertising Association of America).The audience rated him best presenter in a line-up of pro talkers.

A globetrotter, Joel was grounded a year to help his wife fight cancer. During this time of contemplation, he resolved to make a difference by photographing vulnerable animals.Since then, he has photographed more than 6,000 species around the globe; some are extinct, others have stabilized.

3. Photo Ark speaks to me, in a spiritual way.

The Bible -- Old and New Testament -- is filled with powerful narratives focused on animals.

Genesis 6:19 explains Noah’s Ark, before the flood: "And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every kind into the ark,to keep them alive with you."

The ark is a symbol of survival, of sustaining life of all kinds, including birds and “every creeping thing.”

4. Joel Sartore -- Inspired by legendary naturalist artist John James Audubon -- has produced stunning photography, with each animal subject looking into the camera. I am so impressed by Joel’s photography that I put his pictures on my (donated) billboards.

5. National Geographic funds advocates in the field to prevent extinction, such as Carlton Ward Jr., who works with scientists and landowners to protect the Florida Panther.